United's youngsters crashed out of the FA Youth Cup at the third round stage on Wednesday night, as missed chances proved costly against Hartlepool United at Victoria Park.
Chay Liddle fired the home side in front only for Nathaniel Foster to reply shortly afterwards, before Tom Marron headed home what proved to be the winner early in the second period and despite a constant barrage of United pressure Pool hung on.
After an even opening to the game it was the hosts that seized the advantage. LIDDLE drove forward from midfield and his angled shot nestled in the bottom corner of Billard's goal.
The visitors response was immediate, Slew fired over after finding some space, before Herbert turned away a powerful effort from Gregory. Moments later Maguire lost his marker from a well crafted set-piece but his header went just wide, with Darlow failing to convert at the back post from close-range
The Blades deservedly drew level minutes later. FOSTER, who was causing problems with his pace and power, burst behind the defence and rifled an unstoppable shot past Herbert.
Pool were now on the back foot and United should have been out of sight by half-time. Foster twice came close to another goal, before setting up strike partner Slew who should have done better from inside the area.
United started the second-half with renewed impetuous, but it was Hartlepool that regained the lead. A free-kick deflected cruelly across the face of goal and MARRON reacted first to apply the finishing touch.
Back at the other end Herbert denied Slew, before Billard was called into action to save a Daniel Johnson free-kick.
With Hartlepool clearly getting nervous Slew almost capitalised on some indecision, but his shot agonisily grazed the post with Herbert beaten.
The Blades luck seemed certain to be out when both Foster and Slew were both denied during a prolonged period of eight minutes stoppage time.
Coach Kevin Fogg was bemused afterwards, as the Blades lost a game they should have comfortably won:
"We have absolutely bossed the game from box-to-box, but failure to defend a set-piece and a lack of firepower as again proved to be our achilles heal.
"I can't fault anything about our performance, desire and commitment, apart from not been able to score goals. Our general play was excellent and we kept thinking it was a matter of time before one went in.
"It is immensely disappointing to go out in these circumstances, but credit to Hartlepool on taking a massive scalp."
Hartlepool: Herbert, Purvis, Dukes (Pearson 70), Marron, P. Johnson, Mellish, Martin, Liddle, D. Johnson (Dodds 90), Richards (Snaith 55), Blackford.
Unused: Wilson, Selby.
Blades: Billard, Brown, Roe, James, Maguire, Darlow, Gregory (Lammy 76), Murray, Slew, Foster, Chappell (McFadzean 63).
Unused: Williams, Andrew, Kennedy.
